Forgotten Keys

FK10: Korg Rhythm 55

One of the best and most comprehensive of the analogue era drum machines featuring a huge range of preset rhythms for the time. 48 rhythms, 16 Intros and 16 Fill-Ins. More modern metallic sounding cymbals than previous machines and a Swing feature that alters the feel. Re-created here with all its quirks for Kontakt 4.2 or later. Read more…

FK10: Korg KR-55B Library in Kontakt 4.2

FK9: Hammond Auto-Vari 28

Salvaged from an old Hammond Organ and given the Forgotten Keys treatment, I call this the Auto-Vari 28. Not as full-featured as the AutoVari 64 by any means, but if you like old analogue drum machines then this may be of interest. It’s my most inexpensive library yet! Read more…

FK9: Hammond Auto-Vari 28 Library in Kontakt 4.2

FK6: Roland CompuRhythm CR-78

The legendary Roland CompuRhythm CR-78 drum machine captured in all its glory! A virtual CR-78 for Kontakt. All the original preset rhythms and variations have been faithfully reproduced, and all sounds extensively sampled. In this updated version, some sounds have been sampled at six accent levels for more realism. All sounds sampled eight times and picked at random to preserve the subtle differences you get with analogue drum machines. Read more…

FK6: Roland CompuRhythm CR-78 Library in Kontakt 4.2

FK1: Keio Mini-Pops MP-7 (AKA Univox SR-95)

Famously used by Jean-Michel Jarre on his Oxygen album from 1976, this analogue drum machine is highly sought after and quite hard to find. It features 15 sounds and 20 rhythms that can be combined. All sounds have been sampled eight times and all rhythms re-created including the alternative Beguine rhythm from the Univox version. Read more…

FK1: Keio Mini-Pops SR-95 Library in Kontakt 3.5

FK2: Maestro Rhythm King MRK-1 & MRK-2

(AKA Lowrey AR, AR-1, ARK-1, AR-2, AR-4 & ARK-4)

An American built drum machine from the 1960s–1970s. Famously used by Sly & the Family Stone. It produces eleven sounds internally plus varying attack and decay on the cymbal sounds depending on the rhythm selected. The MRK-2 is almost identical to the MRK-1 with the addition of a balance control and some rhythm pattern changes. Also used in a different form as the rhythm unit on some Lowrey Organs. Read more…

FK2: Maestro Rhythm King MRK-1 & MRK-2 Library in Kontakt 3.5

FK5: Roland TR-77 or Rhythm-77

The TR-77 drum machine was the first product launched under the Roland brand name in 1972. It is essentially an updated Ace Tone FR7L. There are 14 sounds including a metronome all of which have been sampled plus a couple of extras created via the ancient art of poking around inside (don’t try this at home!). All internal rhythms have been re-created. Read more…

FK5: Roland TR-77 or Rhythm-77 Library in Kontakt 3.5

FK8: Maestro Rhythm King MRK-4

The successor to the MRK-2, this 1970s drum machine features an Intro/Fill, and improved cymbal sounds. The rhythms were updated too with more rock orientated patterns. This machine also appeared in a different form as the built-in rhythm unit in some top-of-the-range Lowrey organs such as the Symphonic Holiday and Orchestral Holiday. Here is a re-creation in software form! Read more…

FK8: Maestro Rhythm King MRK-4 Library in Kontakt 3.5

FK4: Elka Rhapsody 490 String Machine (AKA Hohner String Vox)

The Elka Rhapsody is an Italian made String Machine from the 1970s. It has that classic shimmering ensemble effect and was used by the likes of Jean-Michel Jarre, Tangerine Dream, Vangelis and, I’m sure, many others. It was also sold under the Hohner brand name as the String Vox. Here it is in Kontakt format. Read more…

FK4: Elka Rhapsody 490 Library in Kontakt 3.5

FK7: Technics K2x0

A hybrid between two early 1980s Technics keyboards; the K-200 and K-250. They were primarily home keyboards but featured analogue as well as sampled sounds in both Poly and Solo (monophonic) sections. This is a virtual re-creation for Kontakt. Great for coming up with ideas or just having fun. Read more…

FK7: Technics K2x0 Library in Kontakt 3.5

FK3: Yamaha Electone FE-70

The Yamaha FE-70 from 1984 may look a bit “digital”, but it hides within a rather nice set of ensemble string and vocal sounds. The ensemble effect is essentially like that of the famous Solina string machine, and Elka Rhapsody. It uses modulation and phase shifting in a rather clever way. Read more…

FK3se: String Ensemble

This library contains all 56 notes from the String Ensemble 1 sound sampled and seamlessly looped in all their stereo loveliness!

FK3se: Yamaha Electone FE-70 String Ensemble Library in Kontakt 3.5

FK3ve: Vocal Ensemble

Read about the Yamaha Electone FE-70 organ.

This library contains all 44 notes from both of the Vocal Ensemble sounds. Oohs and Ahhs with the same shimmering ensemble effect as typically used on string sounds.

FK3ve: Yamaha Electone FE-70 Vocal Ensemble Library in Kontakt 3.5